What are the main impacts of the reforms?

The main areas effected by reforms:

• A new tier system for boards and commissions
• Expectations for serving on a board or commission
• The application and appointment process for open seats
• Standardized bylaws and procedural rules
• How boards and commissions are created and approved

Read the full Reform Common Questions document

What is the proposed tier system for boards and commissions?

Boards and Commissions will be classified by tiers. 

• Tier 1 bodies are also known as Independent Bodies. These planning bodies have authority to work on their own and make decisions based on the city or state law. Example of a Tier 1 body: Minneapolis Board of Estimate and Taxation.
  
  
• Tier 2 bodies have a high level of decision-making authority. They received this authority by the City Council. The scope of their authority is limited to specific municipal policies or operations. Examples of Tier 2 bodies: Ethical Practices Board, Community Commission on Police Oversight, Heritage Preservation Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustment.
  
  
• Tier 3 bodies generally gather, review, and assess information. They get public input and provide advice to the City Council and Mayor. Tier 3 bodies have no independence and no decision-making authority. Examples of Tier 3 bodies: Bicycle Advisory Committee, Homegrown Food Council, Advisory Committee on Aging, and Racial Equity Community Advisory Committee.
  
  
• Tier 4 Bodies are working groups focused on a specific topic. They work on that topic for a specific time and provide advice to the City Council and Mayor. Tier 4 bodies end their work when the task is finished or the time frame for working is over. Example of Tier 4 bodies: Housing/Rent Stabilization Working Group.
  
  
• Tier 5 bodies serve the City's Special Service District Boards. These guide the City about resources and services made available in defined areas. Examples of Tier 5 bodies: 48th & Chicago Advisory Board, Eat Street Advisory Board, and Uptown Advisory Board.

Read the full Reform Common Questions document

How will the city create boards and commissions in the future?

Resolutions will be made to re-establish bodies classified in Tier 3.

Tier 3 and Tier 4 bodies will be created by resolutions. Tier 2 and Tier 5 bodies will be created by ordinances. Tier 1 bodies are largely unaffected.

The critical time for boards and commissions, departments, and planning body staffers to engage is while drafting resolutions to create or recreate each body. 

Read the full Reform Common Questions document

When will changes occur?

Changes occur July 31, 2024.

Read the Boards and Commissions ordinance